^Lot 1224 SIGNED PHOTO OF JOHN J. PERSHING COMMANDER OF THE

WWI AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES. Under Pershing's leadership in WWI the AEF maintained its independence of French & English forces who preferred the US to function as replacement soldiers under their command. Pershing's soldiers participated in the battles of Catigny, Chateu-Thierry, Belleau Wood, Soissons, and later in the Allied 100 day offensive which ultimately broke the will of Germany resulting in the armistice. Pershing wished to continue and finish the Germans and occupy all of Germany. To the point where he did not notify his commanders of the plans for a cease fire and they continued offensive maneuvers resulting in over 11,000 US casualties on the final day of the war over 2x the amount that were killed during the D Day invasion. After WWI Pershing was a mentor to many of the famous generals of WWII including; George Marshall, Eisenhower, Omar Bradley, Patton & MacArthur. The photo is accompanied by volumes 1 & 2 of Pershing's account of the war titled "My Experience in the World War". CONDITION: overall very fine. There is some mild tattering to the pages of the books. This image is vivid and signature is clear. (02-26377/ZAL). NON-GUN. $300-400.